The Autumn Internationals or End of Year Tours start in earnest this weekend after two weeks of watching the Kiwis dismantle half-baked sides in the name of ‘growing the global game for a few million pounds, mate’. Gents that they are. After the rancour of the Lions Tour (with more of the players now tearing up the St Gats Bible and tossing it onto the fire of missed opportunity, and the gross miscarriage of justice in holding the Rugby Championship in the backwater towns of a backwater penal colony, we get to some good old fashioned, meaty, North versus South matches: the northerners itching to avenge the defeats of the Lions tours or for those not involved to pick up some scalps as we hurtle towards France 2023 and putting down markers. For the southerners, it’s a chance to meet up with childhood family and friends who’ve strayed from home and been punished for it by having to endure the long bleak winters of their discontent (and weather and losing to the fleet of foot colonials). So to it!
Ireland v Japan
The unsmiling Irish will be looking for another, more convincing win against the Brave Blossoms, to further eradicate the memories of losing in the World Cup to Japan. They got a 39-31 victory in July, but will be looking to turn the screws this time and stamp their authority on the match. Sexton’s century and a very strong looking pack will be too much for the Blossoms, as Ireland take it by 25.
Italy v New Zealand
Not really much point in discussing this one, other than whether or not the Kiwis have put out a second- or third-choice side against the Abject Azzurri. Dane Coles and Sam Cane are the most experienced starters in the side with 75+ caps each, but from there is a long way down to Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo’unga at 38 and 29 respectively and then down to most having not more than a handful of caps. ‘A youthful combination’ is how the Kiwis have framed it, but whatever, they’ll still stick loads on Italy. New Zealand by 56
Spain v Fiji
Absolutely no idea what Spain’s 15s side is like and I can’t be bothered to Google it either. They’ve had a couple of decent wins in the 7zzz in recent years, but won’t be a match for Fiji who should simply be too physical, fast and inventive. Fiji blow hot and cold though, both temperamentally and skills wise, so it may not be the massive blow out expected. Fiji by 19
Portugal v Canada
Last time I looked the Cannucks were bloody awful. They got slapped silly in July by both Wales and England and have a win and a loss against both the USA and Chile in the current 2023 World Cup campaign, so not much to write home about. Portugal currently sit second in the Rugby Europe Championship behind powerhouses Georgia (drop Italy etc!) and look like a decent emerging side at that level. They’ve thumped Spain, Russia and Netherlands and lost to Georgia and Romania. Should be a narrow win for Canada based on experience, but stuff that – Portugal by 2.
England v Tonga
England injecting some new blood into the system, but retaining enough firepower to demolish Tonga after a sluggish start. Don’t expect any surprises in this one, bar perhaps all 15 Tongans staying on the pitch. England to win by how much they want to, and how much they’re keeping in reserve for the bigger matches to come. England by 51.
Wales v South Africa
One of the matches of the round! Wales have had the Boks number in Cardiff in recent years and have their foreign-based players back in the side after missing out against the Kiwis. An under-strength Wales were game for 55 minutes nonetheless and will feel confident that they can go one further and compete with – and beat – the Boks this weekend. The loss of AWJ is massive however, and the Boks arrive in town buoyed by their win over New Zealand and with a very strong pack. Some doubts out wide with Kolbe and Nkosi both missing and le Roux dropped, but the Boks will reverse recent form and win a hard, uncompromising duel in the end. South Africa by 8.
France v Argentina
This would have been a lip-smacker a few years ago, but Argentina have gone off the boil in the last year or so. France have improved, but still manage to confound every now and then. Which France will pitch up etc and which Pumas side will pitch up? No idea on either score, but at home, and with the depth they’ve got, it’s France for the win. Being a conservative Saffer, I’ve gone by 11 points to France, but it could be a lot more if they get going. Or not, if they don’t.
Romania v Uruguay
Romania may not be the side they were under Ceausescu, but they’re handily placed in Tier 2 of European rugby. They narrowly lost a friendly to Argentina in July, for what it’s worth, so do have some ability at the top level. Uruguay had a great 2019 World Cup and have qualified for 2023 as well, belting the USA out of the way in the process. That should see them as favourites for this match, but in a Romanian autumn, anything is possible. Romania by 4.
Scotland v Australia
Scotland warmed up for their bunnies with a sumptuous performance last weekend, missed by some Scots here who were foolishly hiding behind their sofas. They ran in some excellent tries, albeit some of the tackling was optional at times, but you’ve still got to get them in. They face an Australia that recovered from their traditional shellacking by the Ballsacks to beat both the Boks and Argentina twice, albeit all matches played in Australia. Still, the Aussies seem to be growing in confidence and getting a bit of backbone into their side. A tough match, but one I think will go the Wobblies’ way in the end. Australia by 7.
Preview gracias a Deebee7
Onna telly this week
Friday 5th November
| Leicester v Bath | 19:45 | BT Sport 1 |
| La Rochelle v Bordeaux | 20:00 | Premier Sports 2 |
Saturday 6th November
| Ireland v Japan | 13:00 | Channel 4 / RTÉ2 |
| Italy v New Zealand | 13:00 | Prime |
| Toulouse v Perpignan | 13:45 | Premier Sports 2 |
| England v Tonga | 15:15 | Prime |
| Brive v Racing 92 | 16:00 | Premier Sports 2 |
| Wales v South Africa | 17:30 | Prime |
| France v Argentina | 20:00 | Prime |
Sunday 7th November
| Scotland v Australia | 14:15 | Prime | ||
| England v New Zealand (women) | 14:45 | BBC2 / iPlayer | ||
| Wasps v Harlequins | 16:30 | BT Sport 1 | ||
| Clermont v Toulon | 20:00 | Premier Sports 1 |
Ovally Balls 
This website has a drawing of it:
https://bronzedrums.jimdofree.com/countries/thailand/
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There are 2 glaring issues with this (otherwise I’m sanguine):
England: Steward; Tuilagi, Slade, Farrell (capt) May; Smith, Youngs; Genge, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Hill, Lawes, Underhill, Curry.
Replacements: Blamire, Rodd, Stuart, Ewels, Dombrandt, Simmonds, Quirke, Malins.
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Although, having Manu in the team is no big problem.
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Rodd, Stuart
Is this one? Think he’s possibly a bit old. Hasn’t produced a decent choon in forever either.
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I think Eddie is trying to get all the best players on the pitch but I’d have started Lawes at lock with Simmonds at 8 with Hill onna bench.
Not sure about Manu on the wing tbh. It’s all witchcraft beyond the base of the scrum or ruck anyway.
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Deebs
Hasn’t produced a decent choon ever
FIFY
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Looks weak
England by 10
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6-2 bench split. Lumpy.
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Chimpie been reading my predictions again.
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Big big game in Dublin this weekend coming.
My son’s first ever match this weekend. Old Belvedere Under 8s v Terenure Under 8s, away at Lakelands Park, always a tough place to go, probably.
The nerves are already jangling ahead of the game, lots of thinking about strategy, strike moves, defensive positioning. When I asked him about it, he said, “Dad, I’m 7 years old. I only play for fun.”
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It’s funny what you do and don’t see on the field – my middle son’s U14 team played and comprehensively defeated local rivals last Sat – he scored 2 tries – one finding a space close in between defenders on the tryline and the other a long fly hack down the field after the opposition dropped the ball – he’d have lost the foot-race with the closing defender except on the third kick – the ball hit the post and ricocheted to the left into my son’s path.
Anyway, the opposition posted over 100+ photos of the game on their FB page – they’re good that way… obviously they focus on their own team but my fellow is in about 50% of them – tackling, rucking, making passes.
He plays IC or OC – occasionally out-half but it’s the tackling/defending that amazed me – he was either tackling the ball carrier or advancing to close down the potential next receiver. I probably watch him more for his attacking – he has a decent step, has a good pass and unlike a lot of them at that age – will pass the ball unshouted at… but the photos told me he does a lot of work defensively.
Photos also told me that about 4 or 5 of them do 90% of the tackling…..
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Toonie does love to keep us guessing
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I’ll also put on record here that the opposition coach who reffed the game did an excellent job (ok, I can say that as we won 34-7) and the 7 was the last score as the ref tried to let his lot go home with a score (we won’t complain about that).
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Hamish Watson Supersub? Hefty back row for the Scots. Good to see Scott back.
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Hogg (capt), McLean, Harris, Scott, Van der Merwe, Russell, Price; Schoeman, McInally, Z Fagerson, Skinner, Gilchrist, Haining, Ritchie, M Fagerson
Replacements: Ashman, Bhatti, Kebble, Hodgson, Watson, Horne, Hastings, Kinghorn
Seeing as it didn’t embed properly. For some reason.
Some very big calls in there, especially if Graham, Styen & Johnson not carrying injuries. maybe sacrilegious but I thought the mish looked slightly off the pace last week & may have been carrying an injury.
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New Zealand:
1. Joe Moody 2. Codie Taylor 3. Nepo Laulala 4. Brodie Retallick 5. Samuel Whitelock – captain 6. Ethan Blackadder 7. Dalton Papalii 8. Ardie Savea
9. TJ Perenara 10. Beauden Barrett 11. Sevu Reece 12. Anton Lienert-Brown 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Will Jordan 15. Jordie Barrett
16. Dane Coles 17. Karl Tu’inukuafe 18. Tyrel Lomax 19. Tupou Vaa’i 20. Akira Ioane 21. Finlay Christie 22. Richie Mo’unga 23. David Havili
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It was Mish o’ the Match last week, so he didn’t do too badly!
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master tactician Jones at full wank today: play your most dangerous player out of position so that you can accommodate your previously appointed captain who is not as good a 12 and not the future at 10.
F**king stupid!
ps I’m having a bad day (perhaps)
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p.s. …..and a non-8 at 8
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@Slade
One area where I tend to have strong feelings is playing a player out of position either to shoe-horn him into the selection or because you have an issue at X and think good player Z can fill the gap.
I’d be of the opinion that if you want to play Tuilagi – then 12 is where he goes and if you also want to play Farrell then he goes in at 10. If you want Farrell and Smith together – then 12 and 10 is where they go.
Now granted – it tends to be an issue only in the 3/4s (or maybe in the backrow ).
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Yep, Slade, you knew that was going to happen tho. Two excellent 8s in the squad, and neither starting. Both of them look green at the back of the set piece, but working on it and getting better all the time. It amazed me that Billy V kept being picked for so long without developing this part of his game. Watch Bem Morgan or Talupe Faletau here, they are both excellent. Curry doesn’t seem to me to be improving as he should, much like Zander Fagerson, he keeps doing dumb stuff . Undehill, for example, seems to be getting sharper in borderline decision making. MAybe keep moving about affects him.
On the backs, yeah, Faz again. Hmmm. Manu out of position against some rapid aussie backs is asking a lot defensively, and he is never going to be at his devastating best out wide. altho he is looking surprisingly sharp at the moment. I have high hopes, but I kind of expect a stilted backline, Smith and Slade getting the blame and being dropped, and faz is going to be there for ever. Oh well.
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You English. Always with the whingeing. ;-)
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Who was it that used to claim that England had enough players for about 5 teams? Was it Baldy?
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BB I think it was Baldy (let’s credit him anyway since he’s not here to defend himself), but it was always the quality of those five teams that was debatable (except to him). Not even the All Blacks at their best could do that and be competitive at the top of the game. And looking at that side they’ve put out, they don’t even have a top front row, never mind five of them. Soft bastards.
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I think you’re doing the England fans a disservice, BB. There’s at least 5 of them, maybe more, who could have come up with such a list.
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6 actually. And, according to Baldy, even when the ABs beat is we still were the best.
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Would they be able to name four world class hookers though?
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Yes
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This is nice (despite me hoping for a crushing England win on Saturday):
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“New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has been ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup final against Australia on Sunday after breaking his hand striking his bat in frustration following his dismissal in the Black Caps’ semi-final defeat of England.”
Disappointing news for South African representation in the final.
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Craigs, I said (at least) 5 but you say 6. It seems, like Baldy, I’m one short.
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Hello everyone. Hope you’re all well.
My eyes rolled almost right to the back of my head when I saw Eddie’s team sheet. First job of a head coach is to pick the right team. He hasn’t done that. We have a lock at flanker, a flanker at 8, a fly half at centre and a centre on the wing. Total rubbish. Australia by 7-10.
For what it’s worth, I’ve always thought Manu’s best position is outside centre. It kind of works having him at inside centre when he’s playing with Slade because sometimes they do swap around a bit, but he’s better running at the outside shoulder of the defender and into space rather than just trying to crash up through the middle.
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It kind of works having him at inside centre when he’s playing with Slade because sometimes they do swap around a bit,
Karl! of the year, so far.
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Morning Dab!
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We have a lad in the U13s – been out 6 weeks now with a broken hand – he punched the post after his team let in a try during a training match between U13s and U14s. At the time, we thought it was just sore – until a week later his mom texted to say he’d injured his hand “at training” – clearly didn’t tell her what he’d done.
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This Australian team is not so strong, Dab. England’ll be all right.
I agree with you about Tuilagi, by the way. But he was pretty good at inside centre in 2019.
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Trisk, a mate of mine at school broke his arm in training at our very first high school rugby practice (we played football in primary school) and missed the U13 season as a result. In our U14 season, he broke the other arm in our first training session and missed the whole of that season too. He picked up hockey after that.
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Two broken arms is just the thing for hockey.
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For a teenage boy, though, a broken arm could be a disaster.
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@TomP – Indeed. But it leaves plenty of time for hockey or so I’ve heard.
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Genge now tested +ve
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Genge now tested +ve
Australia by 15.
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Well, Oz have lost 1st and 2nd choice THs to HIAs and now England have lost 1st and 2nd choice LHs to Covid.
Does that cancel out?
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Tomp – I broke my arm as a teenager. Whilst a tough time the hardship put hairs on my chest.
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Any rugby on this evening? Mrs Deebee and I are going put for an early dinner to a new steak place* so should be home for an 8pm or so UK kick off.
* there is allegedly other stuff on the menu too.
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Going out too
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“there is allegedly other stuff on the menu too.”
That’s nice to know, but it does make me wonder why you also need a rugby match to watch in between times.
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For the record I’m not getting any steak or any rugby and am not particularly expecting any ‘other stuff’.
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Apols, have been doing some actual work this abo! New post on its way.
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